Gen. John W. Handy and a crew from the 48th Airlift Squadron here flew the aircraft from the Lockheed Martin plant in Marietta, Ga., where it was built.

"I have had more fun today than anybody I’m looking at," said General Handy to the crowd after landing the C-130 on its first training mission. "We are looking at the neatest, most modern, most capable, most efficient and effective C-130 model in the Air Force inventory, or anywhere else in the world."

Col. Joseph Reheiser, 314th Airlift Wing commander, thanked General Handy for delivering the new aircraft and welcomed the technologically sophisticated workhorse to the Air Force inventory.

"This is a great day for our country, our community and our base,” Colonel Reheiser said. “Delivery of this third C-130J to Little Rock Air Force Base represents the continuing growth of our base and our mission to serve our nation.”

The 48th AS has trained more than 100 aircrew members, and the 373rd Training Squadron’s Detachment 4 has trained about 415 maintainers.

"The (aircrews and maintainers) trained here will be fully prepared to serve in combat and provide humanitarian relief around the globe," Colonel Reheiser said.

This was not the first time General Handy delivered a C-130 here. In 1974, he delivered a C-130E. (Courtesy of AMC News Service)